Gelation, oxygen permeability, and mechanical properties of mammalian and fish gelatin films

The objective of this study was to evaluate the gelation, thermal, mechanical, and oxygen permeability properties of different mammalian, warm- and cold-water fish gelatin solutions and films. Mammalian gelatin solutions had the highest gel set temperatures, followed by warm-water fish and then cold-water fish gelatin solutions. These differences were related to concentrations of imino acids present in each gelatin, with mammalian gelatin having the highest and cold-water fish gelatin having the lowest concentrations. Mammalian and warm-water fish gelatin films contained helical structures, whereas cold-water fish gelatin films were amorphous. This was due to the films being dried at room temperature (23 °C), which was below or near the gelation temperatures of mammalian and warm-water fish gelatin solutions and well above the gelation temperature of cold-water fish gelatin solutions. Tensile strength, percent elongation, and puncture deformation were highest in mammalian gelatin films, followed by warm-water fish gelatin film and then by cold-water fish gelatin films. Oxygen permeability values of cold-water fish gelatin films were significantly lower than those for mammalian gelatin films. These differences were most likely due to higher moisture sorption in mammalian gelatin films, leading to higher oxygen diffusivity.     

Physical, mechanical, and barrier properties of carp and mammalian skin gelatin films

Films of 0.11 to 0.13 mm thickness were prepared using gelatins from the skins of cultured freshwater carp species and mammalian gelatins viz., porcine and bovine skin gelatin. A comparative study was made on the physical, mechanical, and barrier properties of these films. The amino acid composition, gel strength, clarity, and gel setting point of the gelatins were also determined. Carp skin gelatins had a lower imino acid content (19.16% to 20.86%) than mammalian skin gelatins (22.91% to 23.7%). Grass carp gelatin had gel strength of 230.2 B that is comparable to the reported value for bovine skin gelatin (227.2 B). The bloom values of rohu and common carp skin gelatins were 188.6 B and 181.3 B, respectively, which were significantly lower than mammalian gelatins. Mammalian gels have significantly higher (P < 0.05) setting temperatures (23.7 to 24.2 °C) than carp skin gelatins. Tensile strength (TS) was lowest for films from common carp and rohu skin gelatin (490 and 497 kg/cm(2), respectively) and highest for porcine skin gelatin film. The degree of transparency (L*) was significantly higher for films from grass carp, bovine hide, and pork skin gelatin films. Carp skin gelatin films had significantly lower water vapor permeability (WVP) and oxygen permeability (OP) than mammalian skin gelatin films, which indicated that carp skin gelatin based films have superior barrier properties than mammalian skin gelatin films.     

Ultraviolet-B Radiation Induced Cross-linking Improves Physical Properties of Cold- and Warm-Water Fish Gelatin Gels and Films

Cold- and warm-water fish gelatin granules were exposed to ultraviolet-B radiation for doses up to 29.7 J/cm(2) . Solutions and films were prepared from the granules. Gel electrophoresis and refractive index were used to examine changes in molecular weight of the samples. Also, the gel strength and rheological properties of the solutions as well as the tensile and water vapor barrier properties of the films were characterized. SDS-PAGE and refractive index results indicated cross-linking of gelatin chains after exposure to radiation. Interestingly, UV-B treated samples displayed higher gel strengths, with cold- and warm-water fish gelatin having gel strength increases from 1.39 to 2.11 N and from 7.15 to 8.34 N, respectively. In addition, both gelatin samples exhibited an increase in viscosity for higher UV doses. For gelatin films, the cold-water fish gelatin samples made from irradiated granules showed greater tensile strength. In comparison, the warm-water gelatin films made from irradiated granules had lower tensile strength, but better water vapor barrier properties. This might be due to the UV induced cross-linking in warm-water gelatin that disrupted helical structures.     

Physical and Mechanical Properties of High-amylose Rice and Pea Starch Films as Affected by Relative Humidity and Plasticizer

ABSTRACT: The tensile properties, water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability at different relative humidities (RH), and water solubility of edible films made of high-amylose rice starch (RS) or pea starch (PS) were measured and compared with the most commonly used edible films. Photomicrography of starch films shows amylopectin-rich gels and amylose-rich granules. The addition of glycerol into starch films made amylose-rich granules swollen and continuously dispersed between amylopectin-rich gels. Tensile strength of RS and PS films decreased when RH increased from 51% to 90%, whereas elongation-at-break (E) of both films increased when RH increased. Water vapor permeabilities of both films were similar, resulting in 130 to 150 g mm/m²/d /kPa. Oxygen permeability of RS and PS were very low (< 0.5 cm³μm/m²/d/kPa) below 40% RH, and 1.2 to 1.4 at 45% RH. Water solubility of PS film was 32.0%, which is lower than that of RS film (44.4%). Overall high-amylose rice and pea starch films possess an excellent oxygen barrier property with extremely high stretchability.     

Characterization of Fish-Skin Gelatin Gels and Films Containing the Antimicrobial Enzyme Lysozyme

ABSTRACT:  Fish skins are rich in collagen and can be used to produce food-grade gelatin. Films cast from fish-skin gelatins are stable at room temperature and can act as a barrier when applied to foods. Lysozyme is a food-safe, antimicrobial enzyme that can also produce gels and films. When cold-water, fish-skin gelatin is enhanced with lysozyme, the resulting film has antimicrobial properties. The objective of this study was to characterize the effect on strength and barrier properties of lysozyme-enhanced fish-skin gelatin gels and films, and evaluate their activity against potential spoilage bacteria. Solutions containing 6.67% fish-skin gelatin were formulated to contain varying levels of hen-egg-white lysozyme. Gels were evaluated for strength, clarity, and viscoelastic properties. Films were evaluated for water activity, water vapor permeability, and antimicrobial barrier capabilities. Fish-skin gels containing 0.1% and 0.01% lysozyme had pH (4.8) and gelling-temperatures (2.1 °C) similar to lysozyme-free fish-skin gelatin controls. However, gel strength decreased (up to 20%). Turbidities of gels, with or without lysozyme, were comparable at all concentrations. Films cast with gelatin containing lysozyme demonstrated similar water vapor permeabilities and water activities. Lysozyme was still detectable in most fish gelatin films. More antimicrobial activity was retained in films cast with higher lysozyme concentrations and in films where lysozyme was added after the gelatin had been initially heated. These results suggest that fish-skin gelatin gels and films, when formulated with lysozyme, may provide a unique, functional barrier to increase the shelf life of food products.     

Properties of Gelatin Film from Horse Mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) Scale

Optimal conditions for extracting gelatin and preparing gelatin film from horse mackerel scale, such as extraction temperature and time, as well as the protein concentration of film‐forming solutions were investigated. Yields of extracted gelatin at 70 °C, 80 °C, and 90 °C for 15 min to 3 h were 1.08% to 3.45%, depending on the extraction conditions. Among the various extraction times and temperatures, the film from gelatin extracted at 70 °C for 1 h showed the highest tensile strength and elongation at break. Horse mackerel scale gelatin film showed the greatly low water vapor permeability (WVP) compared with mammalian or fish gelatin films, maybe due to its containing a slightly higher level of hydrophobic amino acids (total 653 residues per 1000 residues) than that of mammalian, cold‐water fish and warm‐water fish gelatins. Gelatin films from different preparation conditions showed excellent UV barrier properties at wavelength of 200 nm, although the films were transparent at visible wavelength. As a consequence, it can be suggested that gelatin film from horse mackerel scale extracted at 70 °C for 1 h can be applied to food packaging material due to its lowest WVP value and excellent UV barrier properties.     

Characteristics of Different Molecular Weight Chitosan Films Affected by the Type of Organic Solvents

ABSTRACT: Chitosan films were prepared using 3 chitosan molecular weights and 4 organic acid solvents without plasticizer. Tensile strength (TS) and elongation (E) ranged from 6.7 to 150.2 MPa, and from 4.1 to 117.8%, respectively. Water vapor permeability (WVP) and oxygen permeability (OP) ranged from 0.3 to 0.7 ng-m/m²-s-Pa and OP from 0.4 to 5.8 × 10 ⁻⁸ cc/m²-day-atm, respectively. TS increased with chitosan molecular weight. Acetic acid resulted in the toughest films followed by malic, lactic, and citric acid, respectively. Films prepared with citric acid had the highest E values. WVP was not influenced significantly by the molecular weight of chitosan. OP of films prepared with malic acid was the lowest, followed by acetic, lactic, and citric acid.     

Characterizations of fish gelatin films added with gellan and κ-carrageenan

Fish gelatin is known to be inferior to mammalian gelatins. Gellan and κ-carrageenan were added to improve properties of the fish gelatin films. Initially, polysaccharides were added to make fish gelatin gels, and tested for the melting point. Mechanical, barrier, color and microstructure properties, as well as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermal analysis (DSC) of the modified fish gelatin films were evaluated. The addition of gellan and κ-carrageenan increased the melting point of fish gelatin gels, gellan being more effective. Polysaccharides modified fish gelatin films by increasing tensile strength and barrier against water vapor, but made films slightly darker. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microstructure analysis revealed that gellan eliminated cracks present in the film matrix resulting in a more uniform structure. FTIR and DSC analyses showed that both polysaccharides effectively interacted with fish gelatin, and moreover, gellan being more effective. Overall, addition of gellan up to 2 g/100 g of gelatin performed better in enhancing fish gelatin films properties.     

Influence of Transglutaminase-Induced Cross-Linking on Properties of Fish Gelatin Films

ABSTRACT:  Fish gelatin (FG) is a potential alternative to current mammalian (beef and pork) gelatin. However, its physical and thermal properties limit its use in many applications. The treatment of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) on FG could be a practical way to increase the use of FG films in various applications. Physical properties, barrier properties, and molecular weight change of FG films were measured. The viscosity of the MTGase-treated FG solution significantly ( P < 0.05) increased from 6.81 ± 0.65 cP to 35.04 ± 3.59 cP as the reaction time and concentration of MTGase increased. After employing 2% of MTGase into FG solution, the tensile strength increased from 48.03 ± 5.45 MPa to 68.00 ± 1.9 MPa, while percent elongation decreased from 13.1%± 2.90% to 1.47%± 0.05%. Oxygen barrier property was significantly ( P < 0.05) increased from 7.24 ± 1.48 cc·m/m²·d to 17.69 ± 3.08 cc·m/m²·d, while water vapor permeability was not statistically ( P < 0.05) different. The melting temperature ( T _m) measured by differential scanning calorimetry increased from 124.78 ± 1.98 °C to 158.49 ± 2.68 °C as the enzyme reaction time increased. The color values of L *, a *, and b * were changed from 95.56 ± 0.09 to 95.50 ± 0.06, from −0.17 ± 0.01 to −0.23 ± 0.00, and from 3.17 ± 0.04 to 3.47 ± 0.09, respectively. The opacity significantly ( P < 0.05) increased from 1.43%± 0.32% to 2.87%± 0.06%. SDS-PAGE results showed that the molecular weight of fish gelatin films increased when the MTGase reaction takes place.     

Rheological Properties of Fish Gelatins

ABSTRACT: The rheological properties of fish gelatins (cod, megrim, tuna, and tilapia) and conventional gelatin (bovine and porcine) were compared. The different fish gelatins had from low to high viscosity values. They also had from low to high gel strength values. However, they had lower melting and gelling temperatures than gels from conventional gelatins. Cold-water fish gelatins were more different from conventional gelatins than warm water fish gelatins reflecting the different amino acid composition, as cold-water fish gelatins are low in imino acids. Binary blends of cod and other fish or conventional gelatins seemed to be completely compatible.     

WATER VAPOR PERMEABILITY OF AN EMULSION COATING OF MALTODEXTRIN AND SURFACTANTS

Emulsion coatings were formulated mainly using maltodextrin as the structural material and a blend of surface-active compounds with a hydrophile-lipophile balance of 6.0 as the dispersed phase. The effect on the water vapor permeability of the coatings was determined as a function of disperse phase concentration, film thickness and relative humidity gradient. Results showed that the coatings were stable even in relative humidity gradients of 92–86%. Water vapor permeability values increased from 23.4 to 45.3 g × mm/kPadm² when the dispersed phase was reduced from 0.20 to 0.10. A relative humidity gradient of 92–86% produced a permeability of 79.6, higher than 63.6gmm/kPadm² obtained with an 82–53% relative humidity gradient.     

Alginate- and gellan-based edible films for probiotic coatings on fresh-cut fruits

ABSTRACT:  Alginate- (2% w/v) or gellan-based (0.5%) edible films, containing glycerol (0.6% to 2.0%), N-acetylcysteine (1%), and/or ascorbic acid (1%) and citric acid (1%), were formulated and used to coat fresh-cut apple and papaya cylinders. Water vapor permeability (WVP) was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in alginate films (0.30 to 0.31 × 10⁻⁹g m/Pa s m²) than in the gellan ones (0.26 to 0.27 × 10⁻⁹g m/Pa s m²). Addition of 0.025% (w/v) sunflower oil decreased WVP of gellan films (0.20 to 0.22 × 10⁻⁹ g m/Pa s m²). Water solubility of gellan and alginate films at 25 °C (0.47 to 0.59 and 0.74 to 0.79, respectively) and their swelling ratios (2.3 to 2.6 and 1.6 to 2.0, respectively) indicate their potential for coating high moisture fresh-cut fruits. Fresh-cut apple and papaya cylinders were successfully coated with 2% (w/v) alginate or gellan film-forming solutions containing viable bifidobacteria. WVP in alginate (6.31 and 5.52 × 10⁻⁹g m/Pa s m²) or gellan (3.65 and 4.89 × 10⁻⁹ g m/Pa s m²) probiotic coatings of papaya and apple, respectively, were higher than in the corresponding cast films. The gellan coatings and films exhibited better water vapor properties in comparison with the alginate coatings. Values > 10⁶ CFU/g B. lactis Bb -12 were maintained for 10 d during refrigerated storage of fresh-cut fruits, demonstrating the feasibility of alginate- and gellan-based edible coatings to carry and support viable probiotics on fresh-cut fruit.     

Water Vapor Permeability, Mechanical Properties and Antioxidant Effect of Mexican Oregano–Soy Based Edible Films

ABSTRACT:  Water-soluble extracts from Mexican oregano ( Lippia graveolens ) were incorporated into soy protein isolate (SPI) films. Water vapor permeability, mechanical properties, and antioxidant ability were evaluated. All the extracts were capable of scavenging DPPH radicals in a concentration-dependent fashion; the IC₅₀ values were obtained. Oregano extracts were incorporated into SPI films plasticized with sorbitol, glycerol, and glycerol–sorbitol 1:1. The addition of the extracts resulted in an increase in the water vapor permeability values and provided a dark reddish film appearance. Changes in tensile strength as well as elongation values were observed. The oregano SPI films exhibited antioxidant properties in a concentration-dependent fashion.     

Characterization of edible film fabricated with channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) gelatin extract using selected pretreatment methods

ABSTRACT:  Farm-raised catfish are important to the economy of the southeastern states in the United States, and catfish processing produces about 55% of by-products for inexpensive sale. Therefore, the utilization of catfish by-products is of great interest to the catfish industry. The objectives of this research were to determine the optimum pretreatment method to extract catfish gelatin for edible film application, and to characterize physical, mechanical, and barrier properties of edible films fabricated with catfish skin gelatin. Catfish skins obtained from a local plant were treated with 6 selected pretreatment methods. The main extraction was performed with deionized water at 50 °C after pretreatment. The gelatin yield was calculated and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was performed to characterize molecular weight (MW) profile. Color, tensile strength (TS), elongation, and water barrier property were determined to characterize the fabricated catfish gelatin films. From the results of gelatin yield, color, SDS-PAGE, as well as mechanical and barrier properties of the film, the pretreatment method with 0.25 M NaOH and 0.09 M acetic acid, followed by extraction at 50 °C for 3 h, was determined as the optimum extraction method. The catfish gelatin exhibited higher MW fractions than commercial mammalian gelatin. The catfish gelatin extracts possessed film-forming properties determined by TS, elongation, and water vapor permeability (WVP) comparable to those of commercial mammalian gelatin. The selected formula for catfish gelatin film was determined as 1% gelatin and 20% glycerol, resulting in greatest TS and lowest WVP.     

Active warm-water fish gelatin film containing oxygen scavenging system

An oxygen scavenging system (OSS), composed of oxygen scavenging nanoparticles and iron chloride (II), was incorporated into warm-water fish gelatin film. Surface morphology, cross sectional images, and mechanical, barrier, and optical properties of the oxygen scavenging fish gelatin (OSFG) film were compared to those of the unmodified fish gelatin (UMFG) film. Results indicated that the OSS was well incorporated into the OSFG film structure. The OSFG film had rough film surface, increased water vapor and oxygen permeability, and decreased tensile strength due to the incorporation and agglomerations of the OSS. The incorporation of the OSS also caused color and haze alterations to the OSFG film. In addition, the oxygen scavenging capability of the OSFG film was investigated. The initial oxygen content (%) in the cup headspace, 20.90%, was decreased to 4.56% after 50 days of storage. The OSFG film had good oxygen scavenging capacity, 1969.08 cc O₂/m²/mil, and moisture was used as the activator to trigger the oxygen scavenging reaction.     

Rheological properties of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctaus) gelatine from fish skins preserved by different methods

Gelatins were extracted from channel catfish skins preserved by different methods using 50 mmol/l acetic acid. Molecular weight distribution, gel strength and viscoelastic properties of gelatin samples were studied. Compared to gelatins from fresh and frozen skins, gelatin from dried channel catfish skin exhibited higher gel strength. This can be explained by the large α-chains content of gelatin from the dried skins. The gelling point and melting point of dried channel catfish skin gelatin solution were similar to those of fresh skin gelatin solution, but distinctly different from those of frozen skin gelatin. After maturation at low temperature, melting points of gelatins increased. But the melting point of frozen skin gelatin was still the highest among the three gelatin samples studied.     

鲢鱼皮明胶-海藻酸钠复合膜的制备与性能

鲢鱼皮明胶膜因具有安全性高和来源丰富等优点受到广泛关注。然而鲢鱼皮明胶膜的力学性能和阻隔性能 较差,若作为食品包装膜将会受到限制。为了改善鲢鱼皮明胶膜的性能,将海藻酸钠与鲢鱼皮明胶共混制成复合 膜。结果发现,制成的复合膜外观透亮,有阻隔紫外线和油脂的性质;当添加体积分数为20%的海藻酸钠时,复合 膜的水溶性和水蒸气透过率达到最小,抗拉强度达到最大。说明复合膜的阻隔性能和力学性能都优于鲢鱼皮明胶 膜。对膜的傅里叶变换红外光谱图和X射线衍射图进行分析,表明鲢鱼皮明胶和海藻酸钠存在较强的相互作用,这 可能是复合膜性能发生变化的主要原因。     

Apple Wraps: A Novel Method to Improve the Quality and Extend the Shelf Life of Fresh-cut Apples

A novel method was developed to extend the shelf life and improve the quality of fresh-cut produce. Edible coatings and films were made from apple puree with various concentrations of fatty acids, fatty alcohols, beeswax, and vegetable oil. Apple pieces were coated with solutions or wrapped in preformed films. Changes in moisture content and color were measured during storage. Increasing concentrations of lipids significantly improved the moisture barrier properties of films. Water vapor permeability varied from 69 to 325 g mm/kPa d m². Apple-based wraps significantly reduced moisture loss and browning in fresh-cut apples. Color was preserved for 12 d at 5 °C. Wraps were significantly more effective than coatings.     

酸/碱预处理对美洲鳗鲡（Anguilla rostrata）鱼骨明胶理化性质与凝胶特性的影响

以美洲鳗鲡（Anguilla rostrata）鱼骨为原料,采用酸或碱预处理结合热水浸提制备鱼骨明胶,并通过得率、凝胶强度测定、SDS-PAGE、紫外全波长扫描、红外光谱扫描、动态流变学测定以及扫描电镜等研究鱼骨明胶的理化性质和凝胶特性。结果表明:酸法预处理明胶（AG60）与碱法预处理明胶（BG60）得率分别为13.6%和6.88%,凝胶强度分别为101.95 g和78.74 g。AG60和BG60的羟脯氨酸含量为3.2 g/100 g和2.7 g/100 g。两种明胶均含有β和α₁、α₂链,其中AG60的α₁+α₂含量显著高于BG60。AG60与BG60均具有明胶的特征吸收峰,且无杂蛋白吸收峰。与BG60相比,AG60具有更高的凝胶温度与熔融温度,以及更短的胶凝时间。扫描电镜分析显示,AG60具有更致密、均一的凝胶网络结构。本研究表明,与碱法预处理相比,酸法预处理制备得到的鳗鱼骨明胶具有更高的得率与更好的凝胶特性。     

甘油添加量对兔皮明胶膜性能与结构的影响

以兔皮明胶为原料制备明胶膜,通过测定不同甘油添加量明胶膜的机械性能、水蒸气透过率、亚基组成及结构,明确了甘油添加量对明胶膜性能与结构的影响。结果表明甘油添加量对明胶膜厚度无显著性影响,而水蒸气透过率随甘油添加量的增加呈现上升趋势。力学性能结果表明当甘油添加量达22%（以明胶质量计,m/m）时,明胶膜的抗拉强度和断裂伸长率均显著增加（P＜0.05）。十二烷基硫酸钠-聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳分析显示甘油并没有导致明胶分子的降解和聚集,膜内结构较稳定,并且当甘油添加量为30%时,膜的谱带强度增加,明胶膜有较高的抗拉强度。傅里叶变换红外光谱分析结果表明随甘油添加量增加,酰胺A带吸收峰逐渐向低波数移动（3 446.9～3 398.9 cm－1）,说明甘油分子进入到膜基质,与明胶分子侧链的N-H基团相互反应形成氢键;酰胺Ⅰ带曲线拟合结果表明随甘油添加量的增加,膜内无规卷曲含量逐渐减少,而三螺旋结构含量逐渐增加,说明甘油的添加可促进明胶膜形成更有序的空间结构,进而提升明胶膜的成膜性能和力学性能。